GOP contenders' harsh rhetoric will put Israel's future at risk

February 7, 2012|By Rabbi Maurice Harris, Florida Jewish Journal

The bottom line is that Jews and Arabs both have long historical roots and ties in the Holy Land, and the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians involves relatively new nationalities and ancient religions. Gingrich is playing offensive, dangerous word games in a way that deeply hurts people. And as a Jew, I'm offended by the idea that the right way to be pro-Israel is to be hateful toward Palestinians.

I want the United States to be an enduring ally to Israel, supporting Israel's security, sharing intelligence and military expertise, and defending Israel against unfair accusations in international forums. I also want the United States to be an honest broker, facilitating negotiations between Israel, the Palestinians and the wider Arab world.

I want the United States to be a friend to Palestine as well as Israel, to support moderate elements within both societies, and to give a push to all of the parties involved when they need one to keep the peace process moving forward.

With little fanfare, Obama has delivered on all fronts. I'm grateful that Obama has stood by Israel in all the ways that matter, and I'm even more grateful that he's stoically endured a torrent of unfair accusations and lies from his political opponents on Israel.

A final thought: As a rabbi, if I've learned anything about the heart of Judaism it is that it values leadership that seeks justice, peace and reconciliation. The ancient rabbis taught that good people seek to turn enemies into friends and see the divine image in every person, even those with whom they have conflict.

These GOP candidates offer a kind of leadership that seeks to exacerbate the hatreds in the Middle East. They opportunistically hope that striking this hard-line posture will garner Jewish votes in that other Promised Land: Florida.

What I look for in a president, as a Jew and a person with deep concern for Israel, is leadership that seeks to strengthen Israel while also reaching out to the Palestinians — leadership that's committed to brokering a way out of this nightmarish conflict that poisons the lives of my Israeli and Palestinian friends alike.

Like every president before him, Obama has made mistakes in seeking to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace, but he's been a great friend to Israel, his eyes are on the right prize, and his leadership offers hope.